Shell Cove residents request greater transparency and precaution regarding the use of chemical weed-control products in our community — particularly those manufactured by Nufarm, including Weedmaster® formulations containing glyphosate at 360 g/L. 

Our suburb is home to many young families, pets, and native wildlife. We are surrounded by sensitive waterways, wetlands, and coastal zones — all of which can be impacted by repeated chemical spraying. For this reason, the community deserves assurance that the weedkillers used in our parks, pathways, and common green areas are not putting our health or environment at risk.

The Safety Data Sheet for NUFARM WEEDMASTER® DUO, which is the contractor used by Frasers, acknowledges the following acute health effects linked to exposure:

Gastrointestinal irritation: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite
Respiratory impacts: coughing, abnormal breathing and potential pulmonary oedema following ingestion
Skin and eye irritation
Hypotension and shock after large ingestion
These effects can present within minutes to hours after exposure for both humans and animals.

Further veterinary toxicology literature documents:

Hypersalivation and oral irritation if the product is licked or ingested
Aspiration pneumonia due to vomiting and inhaled chemicals
Electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis, leading to worsening heart and neurological function
Neurological toxicity, including tremors and seizures — especially in dogs after exposure to certain pesticide formulations
Hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) injury in moderate–severe cases

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists glyphosate as a Group 2A probable carcinogen, reflecting population-level risks associated with long-term exposure. Considering the daily presence of children and pets on our lawns, this is not a matter that should be taken lightly.

Given these documented hazards, we are asking for the following:

1️⃣ Environmental & Soil/Water Safety Testing

Particularly in:

Playgrounds
Grass recreation areas
Walking paths
Wetland buffer zones around Shell Cove Harbour and Dunmore Lakes
Testing for glyphosate residues would provide clear data to inform future decisions.

2️⃣ A Transition to Safer Weed-Management Practices

Examples include:

Mechanical or steam-based weed removal
Certified low-toxicity, non-glyphosate alternatives
Increased manual weeding in ecologically sensitive zones
Scheduling that prevents exposure to families and pets during and after application
3️⃣ Full transparency of chemical usage

Publicly accessible information regarding:

What products are being applied
Concentrations and frequency of use
Locations and dates of spraying
Official safety precautions for residents and pet owners

Shell Cove has been promoted as a healthy, family-centered lifestyle community. It is essential that our public spaces reflect that promise by prioritising human safety, pet wellbeing, and local environmental protection.

We appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining our beautiful suburb, and we believe these changes are entirely achievable with strong leadership from Frasers and the Council. 

Please add your name to this petition and urge Frasers and Shellharbour Council to make the changes and keep Shell Cove safe for all.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to Shell Cove’s wellbeing.